Imagine an ancient celebration that reflects deep cultural values and beliefs that uplifts the idea of morality, female pride, and womanhood. This is the central theme of the Ovia-Osese Festival of the Ogori Magongo people.
Ogori Magongo is a local government area in Kogi State. According to land size and population, it is one of the least local government areas in Nigeria. It occupies about 31sqm, from Obehira Ebaba to Ososo in neighbouring Edo State.
The people of Ogori and Magongo are peace-loving, easy-going, and hospitable. They cherish the ideology of purity and baptism in the responsibilities of womanhood. This, and many more, constitute the reason for the most popular and highly-cherished festival in Kogi State and Nigeria, the Ovia-Osese Festival.
The Ogori people are popularly known for the Ovia Osese Festival, which is usually celebrated two weeks after the Christian Easter celebration. The festival is about the initiation of young virgin girls who have attained age 15 and are of good moral conduct into womanhood.
It is a celebration that stresses and encourages good social and moral conduct among young girls
The people of Ogori land (Ogorians) consider this festival a requirement. All their daughters have to go through each stage of the Ovia Osese. They believe the rites secure relevance for the girls, and if neglected, the girl(s) risk rejection by the gods of the land, and will ultimately not be considered a true Ogori woman.
As mentioned before, this tradition is old, long before the missionaries came to Nigeria, yet, the religious activities did not alter its practice among Ogori Magongos. They see this tradition as a ritual and a rite that remains compulsory for their daughters every year.
Ovia-Osese is an important cultural practice to the Ogorians. It laces their uniqueness and differentiates them from other tribes and cultures in Kogi State and Nigeria. Every maiden strives to keep her virginity in Ogori despite the prevailing culture of immorality.
During the week of the Ovia Osese Festival, the virgin girls above age 15 (maidens) are camped by the chieftain of Ogori culture, a woman known as the ‘Iyodina.’ She then trains them in the ways of a woman.
These girls learn strong morals, traditions, respect for families and cultural beliefs and practices; how to cook traditional food, how to keep their families together, and, finally, how to take good care of a man (Especially a husband).
This training usually takes a long time, but as time passes and with civilization in the way, it is now done within two weeks. The women of Ogori are known to be good homemakers because it is rare to find an Ogori woman who got married and ended up divorced.
Ogori women are well trained, including the tradition and teachings on ‘how to keep a home.‘ Good behavior, for the Ogorians, is indeed a result of the Ovia Osese culture.
Source: Kogi State Ministry of Information and Communication
OFFICE OF THE SPECIAL ADVISER ON CULTURE AND TOURISM 